LEXINGTON, Va., Jan. 30, 2023 — Early on the last Saturday morning of January, the Rat Mass loaded up more than 730 school supplies and carried them across town. The class had been collecting school supply items since December and over winter furlough to prepare for their annual Rat Unity event, which would help a few schools in the community.

After a chilly ruck on the Woods Creek Trail to Harrington Waddell Elementary School, the rats were greeted by Rebecca Walters, superintendent of Lexington City Schools; Kim Troise, principal at Waddell; Brittney Campbell, Waddell school nurse; Tim Diette, chairman of the school board; and David Sigler, member of Lexington City Council. Troise took a few moments to address the Rat Mass in the school’s gym, expressing how appreciative they are for their efforts of collecting the items and walking them over that morning. “Thank you for all you’ve done to help our students who sometimes struggle with school supplies. This is such a great way to help those families,” she said.

A few members of the Rat Mass then transported the other half of the collected items to Central Elementary School where Robin Parker, principal, met the group. She beamed as they carried the items into her office, acknowledging that many of the items would be saved until the new academic year, but that some would be used very soon.

“Throughout the year, especially in the spring, kids run out of things, so we’ll use these items to replenish what is needed. We are glad to have extras for when the kids don’t have what they need,” she said. 

Heaton Lawrence ’26 assisted with logistics leading up to the event.

“In the end, we all organized it, got the word out to our brother rats, and executed it very effectively. It gave me a different type of joy and pride leading an event that donated over 700 items of school supplies to help kids in need,” Lawrence said.

Carlie Shaffer ’23 oversaw much of the project and was very proud of what the class had accomplished. “Seeing the boxes overflowing with school supplies gave us such an immense sense of pride at what they’ve done for the community as they came together as a Rat Mass. The way the community supports us at VMI, I think it’s special when we can give back to support the community,” said Shaffer.

*Note: More photos are available on VMI's Tumblr account.

Maj. Michelle Ellwood
VMI Photos by by Andrew Partridge ’24
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE